The New Yorker Radio Hour Richard Brody Presents the 2026 Brody Awards
Feb 17, 2026
Richard Brody, a keen film critic known for his annual Brody Awards, and Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker film writer and podcast co-host, debate the year’s standout films. They skewer overrated picks, champion underrated gems, and award Sinners, Tessa Thompson, Michael B. Jordan, and Kelly Reichardt. Short, opinionated takes on awards rules, casting recognition, and films that slipped under the radar.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Academy Membership Changed Outcomes
- Richard Brody argues the Academy improved by diversifying and internationalizing its membership after Oscar So White.
- He links this change to generally better nominations and voting practices.
Voting Rules Force Members To Watch
- David Remnick notes the Academy requires members to watch all five films in each category, raising viewing standards.
- Richard Brody says this forces actual viewing and reduces shortcut voting behavior.
Credit Casting Directors And Ensembles
- Richard Brody praises the new casting category as recognition for casting directors and ensembles.
- He advises that ensemble-driven films deserve acknowledgment because casting shapes a film's success.